If your query is not covered by these FAQs, please email info@freshwaterchallenge.org. These FAQs will be updated regularly.​

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What are the Freshwater Ecosystems that are included under the challenge?

In terms of aquatic ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems are defined as those that are inland and not saline (e.g., rivers, lakes, pools, springs, wetlands, peatlands, headwaters to large rivers, and groundwater-dependent ecosystems). This does not directly include coastal ecosystems that are tidally influenced, although brackish ecosystems, such as estuaries and most mangroves are dependent on freshwater inputs. Therefore, whilst the Freshwater Challenge is primarily focused on freshwater ecosystems, it accommodates the dependency of brackish systems on adjacent freshwater habitats, and investments in upstream freshwater ecosystems may be necessary to conserve downstream brackish estuaries and transitional waters.

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How were the global targets on restoration and protection set?

The ambitious global targets on protection and restoration set by the Freshwater Challenge directly reflect the targets under the framework of the GBF, namely targets 2 and 3 (“30x30”). The quantitative targets on restoration were determined in 2022 using historic data on cumulative loss and degradation of wetlands, as well as impacted river reaches in terms of loss of connectivity. More details on the target-setting and data used can be found here (pages 6-7).

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Does the Challenge only consider restoration and conservation done by governments?

The Challenge does not distinguish between restoration and conservation projects that are implemented by governments, companies, or communities. It is up to each member country to decide which restoration and conservation efforts support progress towards its targets. There is much work to be done to achieve the restoration and protection goals of the Challenge, and member country targets. The Challenge celebrates partnerships that work to restore degraded rivers and wetlands, and protect freshwater ecosystems of particular importance for biodiversity and ecological services. ​

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Do Nature-based Solutions (NbS) count?

Yes. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that involve the restoration and/or conservation of freshwater ecosystems are critical tools and can count towards delivering Challenge targets. It is expected that NbS will be a central part of efforts to meet the Freshwater Challenge, particularly NbS for climate adaptation, climate resilient health initiatives, preserving biodiversity and disaster risk reduction. 

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What about conservation? Does that count?

Yes. Conservation here includes both protection, including through protected and conserved areas, as well as improved management. Since the focus of the Challenge is on the recognition and integration of healthy rivers, lakes and other wetlands for their intrinsic value and as essential natural solutions for enhancing climate resilience, reversing nature loss and driving progress towards SDGs, the Challenge objectives also include a conservation component. Consistent with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, member states are expected to effectively conserve and manage freshwater ecosystems, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, through ecologically representative, well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, integrated into the wider basin, while recognizing indigenous and traditional territories. This is an important conservation commitment that can be used to ensure restoration investments are sustained over the long-term and prevent further degradation of vital rivers, lakes, and other inland wetlands.

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How will restoration and protection be paid for?

Along with existing government budgets to support restoration and protection related to water and food security, climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, etc., a key aspect of the Challenge - and a central role of the Core Partners - will be to connect countries and their restoration and conservation plans with external funding sources. This includes not only multilateral sources of funding, but also partnering with the private sector, such as companies and financial institutions, as well as philanthropies.

 

For (prospective) member countries and other partners:

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Does the Challenge require countries to make new commitments?

The Freshwater Challenge does not require countries to make new commitments outside of the already established multilateral processes, but rather to integrate freshwater ecosystem-related targets and commitments across the processes they are already reporting on. Consistent with Targets 2 and 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the Freshwater Challenge requires each member country to specify national targets for restoring and conserving rivers and wetlands by 2030 and then develop and implement plans to achieve these targets.​

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Member countries commit by the end of 2025 to set and, thereafter, implement, quantifiable targets in their national plans to restore and conserve freshwater ecosystems, thereby supporting national and global commitments by 2030. Those targets can be incorporated in relevant national policies, plans and strategies, including plans under international agreements and agendas, such as National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Climate Action Pathway for Water, Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), Sustainable Development plans, National Plans for Networks of Wetlands, among others.

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To ensure transparency, member country’s national commitments will be documented and publicly accessible on this website (this functionality will follow in 2025).

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Does the Challenge require additional reporting?

No. Member countries are encouraged to incorporate progress on FWC goals and commitments into existing reporting structures, including, but not limited to, multilateral environmental agreements and international agendas. Where possible, the FWC will harness, connect to, and build on the work of existing reporting platforms and initiatives. FWC Core Partners will occasionally request that Member countries validate and/or elaborate on information gathered through these existing structures, before it is included on the FWC website or in FWC communications.

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Does the Challenge require countries to participate in any activities/events?

As a voluntary initiative, member countries are free to support and/or engage in specific components of the FWC as per their specific interest and/or capacity. 

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What does it cost to join the Freshwater Challenge?

There are no joining or membership fees that countries must pay to join the FWC.  However, if countries wish to support other member countries or the NGO Core Partners to provide the support services to the members, that will, of course, be welcome. 

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How do countries know which rivers, lakes and other wetlands to restore and conserve?

The decision on which degraded freshwater ecosystems to restore and conserve will always remain with member countries. However, consistent with the GBF Target 1, countries are encouraged to use a participatory approach and will be able to seek guidance and assistance from the Core Partners’ experts.

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Can Non-State Actors join the Challenge?

Non-State Actors (e.g., civil society organizations) are encouraged to support the Freshwater Challenge. While membership of the challenge is reserved for countries, the Freshwater Challenge is open to relevant organisations that are looking to support the challenge, either at a global or a national level. Options for support can be discussed on a case-by-case basis once interest is expressed to info@freshwaterchallenge.org. More information can be found here.

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Can Private Sector actors join the Challenge?

Businesses and other private sector actors are encouraged to support the Freshwater Challenge. While membership of the challenge is reserved for countries, the Freshwater Challenge is developing a ‘business supporter programme’ that companies can join to support the Challenge and its goals. More information can be found here.

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Financial institutions, foundations, think-tanks or technical experts (e.g. academia, consultancies) are encouraged to reach out to info@freshwaterchallenge.org, indicating their interest in supporting and/or their areas of expertise, to see whether there is a match with the needs of member countries.